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Corporates and not for profits have united to help provide essential services to women escaping domestic violence or experiencing homelessness.

As part of a week-long event coinciding with International Women’s Day, Habitat for Humanity is calling on corporates to help fill gaps left after a string of government cuts to women’s refuges and other domestic violence services.

The not-for-profit provider of housing for low income families in need, is looking to tackle the crisis through cross-sector approaches, including mobilising more than 170 corporate volunteers to renovate women’s refuges and transitional accommodation across Sydney.

Habitat for Humanity chair, Duncan West said cross-sector partnerships were key to providing key services to women escaping domestic violence or experiencing homelessness.

“For women contemplating leaving an abusive household, knowing their children can stay in a safe and warm environment is paramount, but sadly cuts to such services means this standard cannot always be maintained,” West said.

“More and more organisations are looking to demonstrate both social responsibility and their commitment to gender equality.

“As part of the project, volunteers will spend the day painting and assisting with landscaping activities. It’s a tangible way to make an impact and contribute to fill a growing gap.”

Corporate supporters including Boral, AMP and Macquarie Group have already signed up to take part in Habitat for Humanity’s volunteering week, Homes of Hope, which will run from the 6 to 16 March.

Bonnie’s Support Service chief executive, Tracy Phillips said it was a great feeling to work with people from the corporate world who “have shown a genuine interest in the work we do, while sharing their skills and donating their time”.

“There have been significant changes to the sector in recent years – some of which have been very positive. However, as a homelessness service working with women and children and with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, we have experienced a very large increase in referrals for women requiring a specialist response,” Phillips said.

“Partnerships such as this with Habitat for Humanity and their corporate volunteer teams have really benefited us by allowing us the flexibility we require to direct funds to much needed service areas.”

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